Teenage boy found fitting in drugs den

Calls have been made for statutory agencies, such as police and social services, to do more to thwart anti-social behaviour in Lurgan.

The pleas come after a young mother helped save the life of a 16-year-old boy who was found convulsing in a well known drug den.

Katrina Henderson immediately rang 999 and called an ambulance when she saw the teenager laying in broken glass and fitting.

The woman, who lives near Allen Hill Park, said the boy was foaming at the mouth. And when she went to help, his friends ran off.

Katrina and other residents in the Allen Hill Park area have been plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Gangs of teenagers congregate at the former Clendinings factory at waste ground, some drinking, others doing drugs.

Speaking soon after the incident Katrina said: “I just had to ring 999 for a 16 year old convulsing. He was laying in broken glass and foaming at the mouth. And when I came, his friends ran, leaving him,” she said.

Katrina, who has young children, said she stayed with the teenager until he came out of his fit. She called 999 and waited until the ambulance arrived.

Sinn Fein Councillor Keith Haughian said residents are fed up with the anti-social behaviour.

Ane he believes it is a child welfare issue.

He told the ‘MAIL’: “Local residents are rightfully frustrated by ongoing anti-social behaviour which has culminated in a very serious recent incident involving a 16-year-old. This is an ongoing issue in a number of areas that have become hotspots for anti-social behaviour. On numerous occasions parents have been seen dropping their children off in these areas.

“Parents should know that this behaviour has come to the attention of the PSNI and other statutory agencies, with responsibility for the health and well-being of children.

“In this latest case, it was only the quick reaction of a local woman that averted the potential of a fatality.”